❖ CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION IN SEATTLE ❖

13 August 1916.
First came an informal opening of the large lock.
In this photo, the ORCAS, belonging to
the US Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District,
quite fittingly is the first power vessel to pass
into the canal. Nearby is the vessel SWINOMISH 
 also being raised to the upper level.
Photo from the archives of the Saltwater People Historical Society©

THE ROOSEVELT leading the parade the next year, for
the official opening of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
4 July 1917
Photo from the archives of the Saltwater People Historical Society©
Photographer unknown.

The year almost slipped past without a cheer from us but San Juan County did send at least one boat for the 1917 parade and a century later, the birthday event had lots of coverage. Let us join in with a tip our hat to the big celebration for people from all over Puget Sound. The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks turned 100 in July 2017 and people, some in classy period dress, were dancing in the street to ragtime music. Others were picnicking on the grass for the holiday weekend party for what is more commonly called the Ballard Locks.
      A historical display from Rainier Valley and Fremont Historical Societies, History Link, and Friends of the Ballard Locks was open for viewing.
      The Ballard Locks, one hundred years later, are the most heavily used locks in the entire US with more than 49,000 transits in a given year.
      Of the 200 boats in the 1917 parade, only two are known to still be afloat. To see more about the parade leader please click here.
      One of the large vessels that was a participant in the parade was being built on Orcas Island and finished just in time to sail down for the party in 1917.

The yacht SANWAN
The last vessel designed and built by a former mayor
of Seattle and retired shipyard owner,
Robert Moran from 1912-1917 at his estate at 
Rosario, Orcas Island, San Juan Archipelago.
Photographer unknown.
Photo from the archives of the Saltwater People Historical Society©

Launched 7 June 1917
Here comes the SANWAN as part of the big parade 
on 4 July 1917
through Montlake Cut, on the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
Photographer unknown.
Photograph from the archives of the Saltwater People Historical Society©